County considers new bathrooms at by heated dock at county lake
Staff reporter
A much-needed new bathroom facility may be in the works near the heated fishing dock at Marion County Lake.
Lake superintendent Steve Hudson asked Marion County Commission for permission to seek bids for male and female vault bathrooms at the heated dock. Cost estimates for the bathroom were $22,000.
Hudson said he was working with Michele Abbott-Becker, county communications and emergency management director, in seeking a grant to help pay for the facility.
The bathrooms would be similar to the ones at Marion Reservoir.
If funding is obtained, Hudson said he would like to replace an outhouse near the east shelter house with another pair of the vault bathrooms.
The commission instructed Hudson to obtain bids and costs associated with the bathrooms.
In other business:
— An automated external defibrillator will be located at the lake office. County emergency medical services director Steven Smith told the commission that a $500 grant had been obtained for the AED equipment. The total cost of the equipment is $1,995.
The defibrillator will be the same model as in area schools and at the county health department.
The commission approved the purchase.
— National Sign Company of Ottawa was the low bidder of $342 for 57 number signs as part of the addressing system of trailers at the lake. Western Associates presented a bid of $541 and the Marion County Record $1,932.
— After closer scrutiny, the commission has determined that the lake hall building cannot be properly insulated which would cost the county considerably more if part of the building was open year round for a privately-owned restaurant.
An accordian door that separates the two large rooms of the hall does not serve as insulation which would mean heating the entire building for the café.
— A crappie tournament in memory of John Waner will be planned this summer. Proceeds from the tournament would go into the lake improvement fund or benches for the heated dock.
— Hudson reported that the fishermen's lounge was open for membership. People can pay $30 per year to be able to use the area while fishing at the heated dock, where the lounge is located.
— Commissioner Randy Dallke asked and received a three-minute executive session with Hudson. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
